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| - I have long wanted to dine at Harbour Sixty. Tonight would be that night! After having had a disappointing meal at Kom Jug Yuen Restaurant in Chinatown, we decided to come for dessert as I have heard many rumours about how gastronomically amazing their Coconut Cream Pie was.
I had also heard about the astronomical prices of dining at Harbour Sixty but after having had a cheap meal (in every sense of the word), I was prepared to dole out for something good.
Luckily the kitchen was not closing down early tonight and we managed to nab a table. The restaurant has a nice patio, but it was a bit cool outside so we did not get to enjoy it. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Toronto Port Authority building. The number of windows, and the doors make it feel like you are on a boat of some sort. The decor is old school, and the environment is more suited towards the business crowd than it is for an intimate or romantic dinner. The crowd is also a little bit older, and it is neither a chic nor trendy place to dine. With that said, the service was stellar. We were not treated differently even though we had only intended on ordering dessert. But after perusing the menu, and feeling a bit peckish, we ordered the Foie Gras Poutine to share. At $40 a plate, my expectations were high. Yes I know - I am crazy. I mean who pays $40 for a wee piece of foie gras, and fries covered in cheese and gravy? The answer is - me! Anyone who knows me knows I adore foie gras and cheese. I admit, I also felt guilty for coming in to the restaurant just for dessert which prompted me to order it.
Upon ordering, we were brought a bread basket. They had a raisin and nut bread that was to die for! Bonus? The bread was warm! It came served with black olives, green olives, and feta cheese that was adorned with pickled green chilis. The feta was presented in full block form - not its usual crumbled state. The butter was piped into a tiny serving dish and was extremely spreadable. Yummy bread.The title of best foie gras poutine still belongs to Au Pied de Cochon in Montréal, but Harbour Sixty's comes in at a close second. The fries were thin-cut fries topped with marbled cheese (not curd form), gravy, peppercorns and finally adorned with a slab of foie gras. The foie gras was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth consistency while I was melting inside with every bite. I really liked the inclusion of peppercorns in the gravy as it really enhanced the overall flavour of the dish without overpowering the cheese and gravy. It may have been overpriced for what it was, but I'm glad I ordered it. I don't know how one could possibly have a main and order this as a side - the portion size was generous to an already heavy side dish. This for me was a meal in and of itself.
At Harbour Sixty, keeping in common practice with upscale dining establishments, sides are not included and are charged separately. The pros are that you can order a few side dishes to sample and share, the con is obviously the added cost. The poutine was the most expensive side dish on the menu. The cheapest rang in at around $9.To finish off the evening, we ordered the Coconut Cream Pie. Anyone who loves coconut, and even those who don't, will fall in love. Their dessert menu is classified in 2 categories: Made Today or Made to Order. The pie fell into the Made Today category. It is served with a side of seasonal berries, a milk chocolate drizzle and shaved white chocolate. It is fluffy on top, but the coconut cream was so amazing I was speechless. You could taste the (fresh) coconut in the pie, none of that coconut flakes nonsense! The pie crust was flaky and also had bits of coconut incorporated into it. This with a cup of their amazing coffee (I dare say it is the best restaurant coffee I've ever had, and I further add that it is better than some of the coffee I've had at artisanal coffee shops). It was a bold coffee that was full-bodied and rich without being bitter. I had mine black, and it was a great accompaniment to dessert. The coffee itself comes with a biscotti and mini cookie. I found both of them to be stale.
Verdict:
Harbour Sixty is not somewhere you would go often because otherwise, you'd have to mortgage your house. The most expensive item on their menu (the Double Porterhouse, which is a double T-bone steak), rings in at $115. They have a generous wine list, and a varied menu. With tax and tip, our bill came to $80.
I definitely give them top marks for food and service. Our water glasses were topped up at frequent intervals, the server was attentive and down-to-earth. When we exited the elevator, we were even surprised to find that the waiter came downstairs to direct us back to the parking lot. I would recommend Harbour Sixty for a milestone birthday, or family occasion but not for a romantic dinner. It definitely lives up to its reputation for good food, and now, also for its stellar service!
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